9 replies to this topic

[harlton]

Hi Everybody,

I Hope all are well, I've just joined this forum and imagine my joy when I found other like minded lunatic's on it.
I was going to keep the fact that I still ride a motorcycle to myself, as I am use to the response I get from the able-bodied world and my doctors(not impressed).
I live in the country so once I'm on the move, I stay on the move or I find something to lean on if I need.
I've been pulled over for it, and I have a doctors letter from my GP explaining the low back problems and limitations, gets me out of seat belts to. I've been to court with it and won, the judge just told me to keep the letter with me at all times.
When I was in the chair, I had to bungie my feet onto the pegs, luckily I've always had enough movement to change and to brake, and freinds would help with the on and off.

My bikes are only lightwieght and physically I've improved so I can manage them at present with my current levels.

I build my own bikes in a modified shop, Interested in chassis design, suspension and engine tuning, and flow bench work.

I would really enjoy hearing from anybody out there who rides, or wants to, or is just generally interested.

I was/am a registered engineer Ieng, MSAE, and a lisensed motorcycle mechanic, and if I can help with any questions, I would be happy to try, reach me at my email, or post them

Best regards Ian

[wheeliebear75]

Well welcome to the forums.

[goose]

Hey Harlton


Welcome aboard!! We have a number of guys on here who ride bikes,works on them and just loves anything to do with them. You should be able to find lots of threads about it...even some youtubes and pictures .

harleyrider11488 or airart1 might point you in the right direction.

Edited by goose, 30 October 2011 - 07:02 AM.

[Aparr]

Hi Harlton~I'm glad you found us lunatics...and you couldn't be more correct with that statement! I think it's great you're still able to ride since it's you're passion! I don't see a problem with it since it's safe for you and others. Do you find you have to change the chassis design for you to ride with your injury or do you just have an interest in chassis designs?

[harlton]

goose, on 30 October 2011 - 06:55 AM, said:

Hey Harlton


Welcome aboard!! We have a number of guys on here who ride bikes,works on them and just loves anything to do with them. You should be able to find lots of threads about it...even some youtubes and pictures .

harleyrider11488 or airart1 might point you in the right direction.

Hi Goose Thanks again.

[harlton]

Aparr, on 30 October 2011 - 05:51 PM, said:

Hi Harlton~I'm glad you found us lunatics...and you couldn't be more correct with that statement! I think it's great you're still able to ride since it's you're passion! I don't see a problem with it since it's safe for you and others. Do you find you have to change the chassis design for you to ride with your injury or do you just have an interest in chassis designs?

Hi Aparr,

I must admit to, the safe for me, as a strech, but I have my letter and I live in the country. I'm safe now, as I have fairly good use of my legs at the moment, but thanks for having faith in me, and if you want me to elaborate sometime I will.
I have an interest in chassis design, I always have. I have modded some, lower or narrower, seat hieghts/rails. I've changed some for racing in the past, and now I have built a couple I designed.
Suspension changes mainly, making sure I've got good springs for my respective masses, and revalve to suit.
Geometry changes can really help if your wieght distribusion is off, as it could be with a lot of us, myself included. It's no good redoing suspension if your distribution is a ways off. luckily for us with bikes being more front baised, and a lot of bikes over-tired at the rear these days, its easier, not so much of a problem anymore.
However the better it's set up for you, and your need's the easier you will find it. What are you riding.

Regards Ian

wheeliebear75, on 29 October 2011 - 07:40 PM, said:

Well welcome to the forums.

Thanks a lot, Regards Ian

[tomsov]

I miss riding. It is funny most of the people around me said that id get hurt on the bikes rather then in a car. Out of rehab i had the dissatisfation of having to sell both of my bikes. One a 2008 Yamaha R6 that had a full pipe, powercommander, 2 in drop, all the nessasary add ons like lights. my second was a 1987 xlh1100. I had that bike for only 3 months. I wanted to turn that into something. Plus i got it for a steal. One day my friend i will ride again. until then i will just roll around. Everyone is right there are a lot of people who miss riding and want to ride again.

[Ferreira]

Hello Harlton, do you have some pics of the modifications you do? Any blog?
I used to work on cars, now i work on motorcycles, maybe we can talk about it sometime.

[harlton]

Ferreira, on 07 November 2011 - 11:58 PM, said:

Hello Harlton, do you have some pics of the modifications you do? Any blog?
I used to work on cars, now i work on motorcycles, maybe we can talk about it sometime.

I am always happy to talk bikes, Some pic's I don't take many any more but fire away with any questions and I will be happy to answer what I can. A lot of the mods do not show up any way, diferent wheels requie changes in suspension sometimes obtainable with just spring and valving changes, but othertimes a different wheel rate needs a different rocker ratio to make it work well again, narrower seat rails under a modified seat, you would be surprised how light that can make a bike feel. A lot of little things.
I am always glad to help real enthusiasts.

Best regards Ian

tomsov, on 04 November 2011 - 07:02 AM, said:

I miss riding. It is funny most of the people around me said that id get hurt on the bikes rather then in a car. Out of rehab i had the dissatisfation of having to sell both of my bikes. One a 2008 Yamaha R6 that had a full pipe, powercommander, 2 in drop, all the nessasary add ons like lights. my second was a 1987 xlh1100. I had that bike for only 3 months. I wanted to turn that into something. Plus i got it for a steal. One day my friend i will ride again. until then i will just roll around. Everyone is right there are a lot of people who miss riding and want to ride again.

The last couple of race bikes I built were 2008 r6's, went nice in the end, but they would split your ears above 12,000 rpm.

Best wishes, never give up., please contact me anytime.

[Talan Skeels-Piggins]

Hi, welcome and glad you're still riding and enjoying the freedom that two wheels allows. I would be interested to hear about any 'landing gear' legs that you might have thought about, or could think about for a 2001 RSVR.

Quick one for those wishing to get back into riding who are either high level completes, or have high lesions which mean they are unable to move feet or legs, check out The Bike Experience. They are on facebook under that name and on the web under (www.thebikeexperience.co.uk) Last year they taught 26 paraplegics how to ride again, some were paralysed for as long as 37yrs and had only really ridden mopeds in the past. Some of the dates for 2012 are up, with more expected in a week or so.

I'm afraid it is only in the UK at the moment, but the trustees of the charity are looking to take the idea further abroad and set up other Bike Experiences to allow more riders the opportunity to get back on a bike.

Cheers

Talan